Nasal drug delivery has been a mainstay for local indications since the late 1900s. Delivery systems have evolved from less-precise dosing systems to sophisticated devices designs able to protect formulations and achieve reliable dosing. Further advances are anticipated, including connected applications. In addition, intranasal administration has become a trusted route for rescue medications. In the future, unmet needs may also be addressed in niche patient populations.
The author provides a brief history of nasal delivery devices and their applications then look to potential uses in the future. Article topics include: device platforms, locally acting products, vaccines, systemic nasal drug delivery, patient considerations, regulatory considerations and future opportunities. In addition, the article includes a table listing samples of US FDA-approved nasal products introduced between 1965 and 2020.